These Foods May Improve Cognitive Health

According to CBS News, research published in JAMA Internal Medicine suggests that incorporating olive oil or nuts into a Mediterranean diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fish and whole grains, but low in red meat, may help keep our minds sharp as we age. The researchers gathered data on over 400 people with an average age of 67 all of whom were at high risk for heart disease but had no issues with memory or thinking. The group that consumed nuts and olive oil performed better on memory and thinking tests compared to participants who were on a simple low-fat diet. This may be because olive oil and nuts are both good sources of oleic acid, a fat that helps protect the nerve structures in the brain.